US PGA Championship: Tiger Woods keen to make Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020

Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods says he would like to make his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 next summer.

Woods, who ended his 11-year wait for a major at last month’s Masters, missed golf’s return to the programme at Rio 2016 after struggling with injury.

Speaking before this week’s US PGA Championship, the 43-year-old said he may not get many more opportunities to represent his country at a Games.

“Would I like to play in the Olympics? Yes,” said the world number six.

“It would be a first for me. Getting there and making the team would be the tough part.

“If I play well in the big events, like I did this year, things will take care of themselves.”

Woods, who will feature alongside defending champion Brooks Koepka and Open champion Francesco Molinari for the opening two rounds at Bethpage Black, has not played competitively since winning his fifth Green Jacket last month.

The American says he feels “rested and ready” heading into what is now the second major of the year.

“I wanted to play at Quail Hollow (a fortnight ago) but I was not mentally prepared to log in the hours,” added Woods.

“That’s the interesting thing going forward: how much do I play and how much do I rest?

“I think I have done the leg work over the last 12 to 18 months. The body doesn’t bounce back as well as it used to and I am aware of that.”

Woods said he felt his swing had “finally turned a corner” before his Masters victory.

However, he is wary of the formidable par-70 course Long Island course, the site of his 2002 US Open victory, and is unlikely to be able to escape errant tee shots in the way he managed at Augusta.

“In order to win this one, driving is going to be at the forefront with the rough as lush as it is,” he said.

“It’s great to be part of the narrative. My narrative spans just over 20 years now.

“You’re measured in decades, because of the nature of the sport we’re able to hang around a lot longer and still be relevant.”